Drivers feel for loyal fans

February 26, 2013

"The important thing is what is going on on the frontstretch right now." - Tony Stewart, NASCAR driver and track owner

That was part of Stewart's comment on the accident that happened behind him at the Nationwide Race Saturday at Daytona.

If you saw it, you know it was not a common wreck.

Kyle Larson's car went airborne and was caught by the catch fence. It tore a hole through the fence, cables and posts and dropped his engine on the walkway and launched a tire and its wheel assembly deep into the seats. In all, 33 fans were injured, 14 hospitalized, with two in stable condidition.

Stewart further commented in his well-calibrated, and sober, statement, as he stepped out of his car in victory lane, "We've always known, and since racing started, this is a dangerous sport. But it's hard. We assume that risk, but it's hard when the fans get caught up in it."

None of it was for lack of trying by NASCAR. I've seen those catch fences and safety walls up close and, if anything, they look over-built.

These were dedicated fans who were in Harm's Way.

How so?

They were in the cheap seats. Low, front row seats cost the least and have a limited view, especially at monster-sized tracks. There's a lot of fancy money and clothes in the seats high up or in the suites, but down low are people you know from work or your neighborhood.

They put together just enough money to make it to Daytona.

They find a cheap place to stay, buy one race shirt and eat at McDonald's, just so they could get tickets to the race. All to look back and say, "Hey, I remember the time I made it Daytona."

That's a race fan.

I was at Lincoln Speedway in Abbottstown, Pa., when this happened. The top of the hills surrounding the track were literally in the clouds, but it didn't rain. Lincoln has always been a track that has seemingly defied the weather gods and it paid off again. The track was so fast that Alan Krimes turned a sub-13 second lap in a heat race.

At the end of the day there were no surprises.

Brian Montieth, a multiple Lincoln champ, took the victory, followed by Krimes, regular Super Sportsman driver Scott Geesey and, of course, Fast Freddy Rahmer in his new 20c ride. One nice touch came from the track promoters who appreciated the loyal fans who braved the weather. With their ticket, fans can receive a $2 discount to the March 2 race.

Note to all promoters: Weather in March sometimes isn't much better. Give it a try.

Next week, the only racing is at Lincoln at 2 p.m. It's well worth the time to head out early and shop your way down U.S. 30. Beyond the antique shops by the score there are a wide variety of unique places. Want an elephant for your front lawn, taller than a truck? You'll find them on U.S.30.

One face you won't see at Lincoln this year will be local racer Chad Criswell. He has sold his 410 equipment and will be racing in the Super Sportsman Division in the Saturday Night Series at Williams Grove. This is an excellent chance to visit the historic Grove because btickets are $5 for Saturday night shows. That's not a typo. They're $5 and kids under 12 are admitted free. It's a great and affordable way to not only see the majesty of one of the top five tracks in the country, but also to root for a local racer.

Danica Patrick hit most of the marks at Daytona. Led five green flag laps, contended near the front all race, drove smart and worked well with her fellow drivers, finishing eighth. At the end of the day, watching her was better than watching Jimmie Johnson win the race. Johnson has done great things, but he'd be better off driving a Volvo on the track to match his personality. Beige in color. He's certainly made enough money; maybe he should spring for racer personality workshops with Jimmy "Mr. Excitement" Spencer.